The New York Choral Society Presents 54th Annual SUMMER SINGS on Wednesdays, 7/23-8/27

The New York Choral Society produces six Summer Sings that feature the most popular masterworks of the choral literature. The 54th annual Summer Sings takes place on consecutive Wednesdays at 7:30pm from July 23rd through August 27th at Symphony Space in the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, For these Summer Sings, six prominent choral conductors from the New York area will lead audience members to sing through these popular works. The New York Choral Society will provide scores. The 2014 series features monumental works including four of the most recognized pieces in the classical repertoire including Handel's Messiah on Wednesday, July 23; Verdi's Requiem on July 30; Mozart's Requiem on August 20 and Orff's Carmina Burana on August 27.

Messiah needs no introduction to choral aficionados. Its choruses range from the sublime to the mighty, capped off by everyone's favorite, Hallelujah. It is Handel's most famous creation and is among the most popular works in western choral literature.

Phillip Cheah is music director of the Central City Chorus and of Guildsingers, a medieval music consort of voices. Mr. Cheach cofounded C4 Choral / Composer / Conductor Collective, an ensemble dedicated to the performance and promotion of music written in the last quarter century championing contemporary music,

Frequently called "Verdi's greatest opera," the Requiem surges with emotion and passion. From the vision of wrath in the "Dies Irae" to the beatific closing lines, the work is not to be missed. The premiere in 1874 was a triumph.

Judith Clurman, music director of Essential Voices USA (EVUSA), one of New York's preeminent choral ensembles, is an Emmy and Grammy-nominated conductor, vocal educator, and choral specialist. She also conducted The New York Concert Singers for fifteen years and was founding conductor of Prism Concerts, and the 92nd Street Y's Music of the Spirit.

Music Director Emeritus, New York Choral Society Coro Filarmónico Universitario

Vivaldi's Gloria is deservedly one of the most popular pieces in the choral literature. Never was the "Red Priest" (as Vivaldi was known) more exuberant than in this exciting work. The Fauré Requiem is far more demure and understated, its beauty coming through its luscious sounds in this classic Mass for the Dead.

John Daly Goodwin served as music director of the New York Choral Society for twenty-five years and has been appointed music director emeritus of the chorus. He was named music director of Coro Filarmónico Universitario in Mexico City in 2011 and also teaches master classes at the Escuela Nacionál de Música.